Payments, Interests

He takes care to be heard when approaching but perhaps unnecessarily: the metallic catwalks resonate with even the slightest step. The underbelly of the engineering simply wasn't designed for stealth access.

Even so, as he gets near the hideout among the crates, he announces himself aloud, just in case: "Jack? That's me, Shepard. I'm bringing you the data and some stuff you might need."

A sleek shadow emerges with feline grace, her eyes glistening in the dim light. Yet she makes no move as he arranges his load on the nearest crate. "You've got here an omnitool with both intranet and extranet access, some protein bars and energy drinks, hygiene stuff and clothes – all logoed, I'm afraid, but you will have a chance to get yourself something more to your liking as soon as we hit some civilisation. You've got a credit chit there, as well, with enough for the basics. If you need something more expensive, you tell me. As for the weapons and battle gear, we'll equip you."

An impatient gesture and a snort. "Yeah, whatever. Now, my payment."

"There. The datapads."

There is a considerable stock of them, and her eyes gleam at the sight. When he puts his hand over them, she snarls. "Don't try to screw with me," she warns him in a low voice.

Shepard remains unaffected. "You'll have plenty of time to read them after you get back from the medbay. You're to report there as soon as you get the data, remember?"

"Fuck you," she mutters but without the previous edge. Watching him, she reaches for an energy bar. "Your doctor will have to wait, I'm hungry."

"That's why I brought these. You can grab some and eat them on your way. And get a drink, as well, you must be dehydrated."

"You're gonna wipe my arse for me, as well?"

"No, but I've arranged you a solid breakfast after you're done with Doctor Chakwas. The mess hall is right next to the medbay."

Shrugging, she tears open a package and bites at the bar, then snatches a drink in the other hand. The pile of clothes remains ignored. "After you. And don't you even think of trying something."

"If I wanted to try something, I'd have had plenty of opportunity. You'd been out cold for fifteen hours. 'Been here twice, making as much noise as I could, yet you never woke up."

"That's a lie, you fucker!"

He cocks his head. "EDI? What time did Jack come on board and what time is it now?"

The blue holo materializes above the comm at the entrance, to provide the required information, and he is able to predict the convict's reaction as she realizes all the ramifications even before she voices it: "Fuck. Fuck you all, bastards!"

Yep. Just don't you even think of trying something.